The Day of the Dead
– November 2nd

The
days of the dead are truly a celebration of life.When children dance with caricatures of death, eat skull sugar
molds and learn to respect that life is brief, they learn there is a
circle to life and to not fear death and then are free to enjoy and
appreciate every moment.

The
Days of the Dead

October
31st – All Hallow’s Eve, Halloween

November
1st, Dia de los innocents, All Saint’s Day

November
2nd - the Day of the Dead, All Soul’s Day

Celebrating The Day of the Dead has a long history in Mexican
Tradition.The Day of the
dead is celebrated on November 2nd.Sometime one hears reference to “the days of the Dead”
which refers to the Days of October 31 – November 2.October 31 is Halloween or All Hallows eve. November 1 is “el
Dia de los innnocentes” or the day of the children and All Saints
Day.November second is
All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.

Some Christian’s hold to the belief structure that every day
should be treated like Christmas, - as every day Christ’s love is
born and should be celebrated.Therefore,
the positive, compassionate attitude that is associated with the
Christmas season would ideally be maintained throughout the year.Christmas Day is celebrated formally to remind us of this
value.The day of the
Dead is similar.During
the days of the Dead, some believe that the souls of the departed
return to earth to visit with and to provide council or give advice to
family and loved ones.There
is a belief that this is true every day, but that November 2nd
is the day set aside to remember and honor those who have past.

In Mexico, there is a tradition of visiting gravesites.Unlike the United States where graveyards are privately owned
and maintained, graveyards in Mexico are often publicly owned or
managed by local churches.It
is up to the families of the deceased and other community members to
maintain the graves.

The
Day of the Dead is a time of celebration and remembrance of loved
ones who have passed away, much like Memorial Day in the United
States.

During the days of the dead, the family often takes the
opportunity to visit the gravesite and pull weeds, clean any debris
and decorate the graves of loved ones.Often candles, flowers and the favorite foods of the deceased
are placed on the grave and the family visits, eats, sings and tells
favorite stories about those who have passed.

In the United States or for those for whom visiting the
gravesite is not viable, (often graveyards are closed during the
evening hours) the tradition has been adapted.Many set up altars in their homes and often communities host a
variety of events. In Albuquerque’s south valley the Marigold parade
and celebration at the West Side Community Center is one such event.
Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto,
ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones.

Food placed on the altar
consists of the loved ones favorite dishes and treats.Drinks
should be placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead after
their long journey back home.In
many villages it is customary to offer alcoholic beverages.Salt
is considered the spice of life and is one the staples that are often
left at the altar.The
scents of marigolds as well as burning copal (a resin of the copal
tree) are thought to be most beloved by the spirits of the dead and
invite them back home.

The
rituals used to celebrate the day are varied and colorful.Yet, all carry the same message, celebrating the day of the
dead is a true celebration of life.

For
more on the Day of the Dead:

A
Beginning History of the Day of the Dead, Article by Helen
Tafoya-Barraza